When researching vehicle shipping, one of the first questions on most customers’ minds is, “How much does it cost to ship a car?” The truth is that car shipping costs, also known as auto shipping costs, aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several variables influence the final price, from the distance of your move to the size and condition of your vehicle.
Additionally, car shipping prices are subject to supply and demand, which can fluctuate based on market conditions. Understanding the factors that impact your car shipping costs can empower you to make informed decisions, ensuring you select a service that aligns with your needs and budget.
In this guide, we’ll break down what goes into calculating car shipping costs and provide tips to help you get the most value for your money.
Key Takeaways:
- Many factors influence car shipping costs, including vehicle size and operability, pickup and delivery locations, trailer type, and time of year.
- The average cross country car shipping cost is around $1,200, but this will vary based on several factors such as distance, vehicle size, and shipping method. Use our car shipping calculator to get an instant quote for your shipment.
- Sherpa’s team of experts can recommend the most cost-effective solution to meet your shipment needs. With Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, the amount you are quoted is your final price, so you know exactly how much you will pay for your shipment.
What is Car Shipping?
Car shipping, also known as auto transport, is a service designed to move vehicles from one location to another, making it an ideal solution for individuals relocating, car dealers transferring inventory, or owners of luxury or classic cars.
The process involves a professional auto transport provider who expertly loads your vehicle onto a specialized truck, secures it for the journey, and ensures it reaches the designated destination safely.
There are various methods to ship a car, including open-air transport, which is the most common and cost-effective, and enclosed transport, which offers additional protection for high-value or classic vehicles.
Benefits of Using a Car Shipping Company
Opting for a car shipping company comes with numerous benefits that can make the process of moving your vehicle much smoother and stress-free. Firstly, the convenience factor is significant; professional auto transport companies handle all the logistics, from pickup to delivery, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.
Safety is another critical advantage, as these companies have the expertise and equipment to ensure your car is transported securely. Additionally, car shipping companies offer various services, such as door-to-door transport, terminal-to-terminal transport, and expedited delivery, catering to different needs and preferences.
Moreover, many companies provide insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit, giving you peace of mind knowing your car is protected.
Car Shipping Costs on Average
Many customers are curious about the average car shipping costs while starting their research. While car shipping rates are highly variable, we compiled the following estimated price-per-mile ranges for different shipping distances.
These are estimated rates for shipping an operable vehicle using an open trailer. It’s also important to note that cost is influenced by many factors, including shipment details and market conditions.
Car Shipping Rates per Mile
| Shipment Mileage | Price per Mile |
|---|---|
| 0 to 500 miles | $1.55 to $2.50 |
| 501 to 1,000 miles | $1.00 to $1.45 |
| 1,001 to 1,500 miles | $0.80 to $1.10 |
| 1,501 to 2,000 miles | $0.65 to $0.90 |
| 2,001 to 2,500 miles | $0.55 to $0.75 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.50 to $0.65 |
Popular Auto Transport Routes
Price ranges for popular vehicle transport routes can also help you better understand how much you might pay for your shipment. Again, these cost ranges are influenced by shipment details and market conditions.
| Route | Est. Price |
|---|---|
| New York City to Miami | $1,100 to $1,400 |
| New York City to Los Angeles | $1,325 to $1,625 |
| Los Angeles to New York City | $1,350 to $1,925 |
| Miami to New York City | $1,000 to $1,525 |
| Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles | $1,225 to $1,475 |
| Los Angeles to Dallas | $1,025 to $1,375 |
| San Francisco to New York City | $1,425 to $1,875 |
| Chicago to Phoenix | $1,050 to $1,225 |
| Atlanta to Los Angeles | $1,100 to $1,475 |
| San Francisco to Washington, D.C. | $1,225 to $1,650 |
Shipping an inoperable vehicle or opting for enclosed car shipping comes with higher rates than the ones shown above. Getting a quote online is the best way to know what you’ll pay for your vehicle shipment.
Car Shipping Rates by Transport Type
The transport type, otherwise known as trailer type, plays a significant role in your transport cost. Understanding the differences between open and enclosed auto transport will help you select the option that best meets your transport needs and budget.
Selecting a reputable auto transport company can ensure that you get the best rates and service for your chosen transport type.
Open Transport
Open trailers are the most common, and over 90% of Sherpa customers opt for open car transport. Open trailers are typically the large double-decker trailers you see on the highway and are used for transporting vehicles from the manufacturer to the dealership. Open auto transport is also the recommended option for customers looking for cheap car shipping.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport is a great option for shipping classic cars or high-value vehicles where you would like extra protection. However, enclosed shipments typically cost about 50% more than open trailer transport.
Fewer available carriers have enclosed trailers relative to the consumer demand for this transport. In addition, enclosed trailers typically hold fewer vehicles at a time, so these carriers require higher costs to make the shipments worth their time.
What Determines Car Shipping Costs?
There are many other factors that affect car shipping costs, including the following:
- Shipping distance: Distance is a major factor in cost. While long-distance shipments cost more in total, they cost less per mile than shorter trips.
- Pickup and drop-off locations: Shipping to and from urban locations is cheaper than shipping between rural areas. If you are looking for pickup or delivery from a more remote location, ask how much you can save by moving to a larger city or closer to the highway.
- Pickup window: Sherpa’s most cost-effective option is a five-business day window for pickup. If you are in a hurry and need an expedited pickup window, your shipment will be more expensive.
- Vehicle size: Your vehicle’s weight, length, and height will impact shipping costs because carriers have limited available space on their trailer. Cars that have modifications, especially those that extend the vehicle’s dimensions or require additional loading equipment, will raise your shipment cost.
- Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles are expensive to ship because they need to be winched or forklifted onto a trailer. If your car is operable, meaning that it can roll, brake, and steer, the shipping cost will be lower.
- Trailer type: Open trailers are the most common car haulers and the best option for most customers. Enclosed auto transport is more expensive, but covered carriers offer protection from road debris for high-end vehicles.
- Time of year: Car shipping costs tend to be higher in January and the summer months, which is peak season for auto transport.
Understanding the car shipping industry and its pricing structures can help you make more informed decisions about your shipping options.
How to Lower Your Car Shipping Cost
Auto transport services can be expensive, and costs can increase quickly. Along with comparing quotes from several auto shippers, you can reduce the cost of shipping by taking these steps:
- Lock in your price early: Getting a jump on your reservation is important because it gives car shipping companies plenty of time to submit competitive bids.
- Be flexible: Being flexible about car shipment can substantially reduce your cost, especially regarding your pickup window and pickup and delivery locations. Avoiding holidays and the busiest times of year will also help lower your costs.
- Ask about discounts. Many car shipping companies, including Sherpa, offer discounts for students, military families, and first responders. If you are looking to ship multiple vehicles, make sure to ask about our Multi-Vehicle Discount.
- Sherpa’s car shipping experts can help you find the best rates and services for your needs. Give us a call at (877) 850-1231
Car Shipping Things to Know
We know that learning to ship a car can initially seem daunting. That’s why Sherpa’s experts are here to help you with your vehicle shipment from the initial quote through delivery.
- The first step is to consider your budget and car shipment needs.
- Request a free quote either through our instant quote tool or by speaking to an auto transport expert
- Once you lock in your quote, Sherpa handles the rest. We get to work immediately to vet and secure a highly qualified carrier to transport your vehicle.
Insurance and Liability
When it comes to shipping your car, understanding insurance and liability is crucial. Most car shipping companies offer insurance coverage that protects your vehicle against potential damage or loss during transit.
However, it’s essential to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, including coverage limits and deductibles, to ensure you have adequate protection.
Additionally, reputable car shipping companies carry liability insurance, which covers any damages or losses caused by the carrier during the shipping process.
This dual layer of protection helps ensure that your vehicle is safeguarded throughout its journey.
Discounts and Promotions
Car shipping companies often provide various discounts and promotions to attract and retain customers, making the service more affordable. Some common discounts include multi-vehicle discounts, which lower the cost per vehicle when shipping multiple cars simultaneously.
Students can benefit from student discounts when transporting their vehicles to or from college. Military personnel may also receive special rates through military discounts.
Additionally, some companies offer seasonal discounts during off-peak times, such as winter or spring, providing an opportunity to save on shipping costs.
When requesting a quote, always inquire about any available discounts or promotions to maximize your savings.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport is a great choice for a smooth car shipping experience, from our initial, all-inclusive quote to your vehicle’s delivery. As a leading auto transport company, Sherpa Auto Transport offers a range of services to meet your car shipping needs.
Here are a few things that set us apart from the competition:
Price Lock Promise
When you get a quote from Sherpa, that price is locked in. With our exclusive Price Lock Promise, you can have peace of mind knowing what you’ve been quoted is what you’ll pay. Sherpa will cover up to $300 of the difference if your shipment price changes so that your car shipping cost stays the same.
Thorough Carrier Vetting
Our comprehensive vetting process means we work with only the best car shipping companies. We study accident reports, maintenance records, and other data points to maintain an elite network of trusted carriers.
Customer Reviews
Sherpa was founded to make the auto transport process easy and stress-free. We evaluate our success based on the feedback we receive from our customers and we are proud to have a 4.9 out of 5 star Total Review Score from thousands of customer reviews.
Car Shipping Cost FAQs
Can I pack my vehicle when shipping it?
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or below the window line. You should remove all valuables, aftermarket parts, and toll responders prior to shipping.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Shipping a car cross-country typically takes about 10 days. Your timeline will vary depending on the route, the size of the vehicle, and whether you use an open or enclosed carrier. Weather conditions and road work can also impact the shipment schedule.
What is the fastest way to ship a car?
Open auto transport is the fastest shipping option for your car. Open trailers can typically haul up to 10 cars at a time. They’re also the most common type of car hauler, which means you’ll have more options when it’s time to make a reservation.
How can I save money on car shipping?
You can reduce car transport costs by making your reservation as early as possible and being flexible on shipping dates.